Will Disney’s acquisition of the Star Wars franchise do right by the Force?

Earlier this week, Lucasflim announced that Disney would acquire 100 percent of Lucasfilm, in cash and stock. Disney also said it would develop and release Star Wars Episode 7, effectively extending the Star Wars franchise beyond the six episodes that most fans had assumed would complete the series (of live action films anyway).

By now you have seen irate reactions on Twitter and other forums around the Internet, and you have probably also seen some comments by fans of Star Wars who welcome our new mouse-eared overlords. But the discussion about this topic is not simple. You can count on the Ars OpenForum to break down the analysis of this news in terms of business, film, and even philanthropy.

The thread "George Lucas sold my childhood for 4 billion dollars!" is the place where this discussion is taking place. The original poster is CannonFodder, who says the purchase was undervalued: "My first reaction: that seems a little low, especially for Disney. I can only imagine how THEY are going to push Star Wars merch on top of their own."

Crolisadds, "4 billion seems kind of cheap to me. If they make a trilogy, that is an easy 1 billion in revenues each at least."

More than a few readers have noted that the prospect of Disney being involved in the Star Wars franchise might mean that Pixar may have a hand at making a movie based on the mythology. Norricksays, "I would absolutely trust Pixar to make SW films that were worthy of the name. However, I have no faith that Disney would put SW in such capable hands."

tk421thinks that George Lucas stepping away from the franchise will net good results: "Not having Lucas write the dialog and direct ('No, you're acting too much! Try to say that without any emotion!') would make it much, much better by default.”

There’s also the possibility that Disney may apply some of the strategic choices it made concerning the Marvel franchises, too. Twinlonsays, "I do have some hope, considering this is the company that payed $4 Billion for Marvel and then handed the franchise over to Joss Whedon. Surely they can find the right person to run Star Wars."

CannonFodderdoesn’t agree with the idea of Whedon as auteur: "The problem with Joss Whedon for Star Wars is that so much of his characterization works of wry asides, Buffyspeak, and his reflexive, self-conscious toss-off. It works quite well for The Avengers, and it worked pretty well for Firefly (though I still say Tim Minear was the really vital portion of that duo—he kept Whedon honest.) For Star Wars? You need a real-deal true believer who is willing to sell the power of myth and the magic of the epic. I'll say it again: Brad Bird. Give that man a Star Wars movie, and we'll have gold...after the Before Sunrise trilogy, I'd even be interested in what Richard Linklater could do with a hundred million dollars and a galactic romance."

Fans of the original trilogy also see this acquisition as a new hope. Creoxsays, "The only thing I kept thinking when I first read this is an unaltered, remastered original trilogy may become reality...no?"

The Thrawn trilogy of Star Wars novelizations is one of several fan favorites.

Genomementions that the rights to the original films is not as simple as Disney taking over. "So Disney doesn't actually own all of Star Wars. They won't own the existing movies until 2020. And Fox owns A New Hope—forever and ever and ever and ever. Which means that any future releases of the OT has to be negotiated between Disney and Fox. So getting the untouched OT on Blu-ray is going to be a bit more tricky than just heading into the vault."

One of the biggest possibilities that Disney may open up is that some of the novelizations of the Star Wars universe may see the light of day as films one day. The OpenForum is already buzzing about the chance to see the Thrawn Trilogy on the screen one day. The trilogy, written by Timothy Zahn, has a loyal fan following and features characters that are not in episodes 1 through 6. LimpBagelsays, "They should stay somewhat in the realm of the other movies and go with Thrawn, the imperial warlords, the Suncrusher, new Jedi temple, or Iceheart from the Rogue Squadron series. Also, leave out Corran Horn."

What do you think needs to happen to the Star Wars franchise for it to live up to your expectations? Maybe you have moved on from Star Wars. Tell us what you think. Share your thoughts with us in the comments or in the OpenForum. Register for an account to participate in the discussion.

Promoted Comments

"George Lucas sold my childhood for 3 prequels" is a far more accurate statement in regards to me.

Call me crazy, but in comparison to the first three movies the prequels were very inferior. When a movies dialogue and acting make me blush in embarrassment something is wrong. When the only things that immediately come to memory of the prequels are Jar Jar Binks, Darth Maul, and Anakin getting his legs chopped off after Obi-Wan points out that he is basically going to get his legs chopped off, there is a problem. Honestly, I can barely remember the second prequel. I think Yoda has a lightsaber battle?

My point is that they sucked in comparison to the original films. Perhaps what we need are fresh minds working on this, perhaps minds that actually grew up loving the franchise? I can imagine worse scenarios than Disney making the films. Scenarios usually involving George Lucas making them. God bless his soul, he gave us the first three films, but seriously it is time for a fresh approach.

While I do agree that Disney may have purchased Lucasfilms on the cheap (as their revenue from books, merchandise, etc. over the last 30 years far exceeds that in general) this could turn out to be a plus and not a minus IF the right director is in the seat. It makes a world of difference when you have a director who knows what the hell he is doing with his direction that the wants the film to go in his movie. Should be interesting indeed to see what Disney brings to the table for this successful franchise...

If it had to go to anyone, it would have to be Disney. They understand the value of managing a vast collection of IP and I think they will handle it well.

As to the price, I think it was a good one. Everyone keeps comparing purchase to gross revenue and you have to compare purchase and net profit and everyone knows making and marketing these movies isn't going to be cheap, especially if you want to live up to the expectations of such a rabid fanbase.

I can't think who I'd rather Lucasfilm go to. Viacom? Comcast? Time Warner?

Disney is about as good as it gets for artistic integrity, production value, and let's not forget merchandising resources.

My only fear is, what will happen to the opening music if 20th-Century Fox ceases to be the distributor? The Fox fanfare is the unofficial first phrase of the Star Wars overture! How are they gonna cram Buena Vista's "When we wish upon a star" into that?

Anyway, this is a better move than leaving Lucasfilm to the dogs. It has been a good move for Marvel, it has been the salvation of the Muppets, and it'll be better in the long run for Lucas products as well.

ANH was as good as it was because of the massive collaboration behind getting it out combined with the political climate at the time. ESB worked well, but ran out of Lucas' control. RoTJ was the first time George really flew solo, and the change in tone shows. That tone was extended to the prequels.

Since Disney is a corporation, it would seem that collaboration would again return to the fore. A net gain for Star Wars fans.

Also: SEPARATION MASTERS. The claim that the original films no longer exist is true. . . from a certain point of view.

I would love to see a movie (or three) based on Zahn's books featuring Admiral Thrawn. I remember reading those books, and being impressed with the story, and Thrawn himself. That would make a good follow-on from the original trilogy, I think.

My big hope for the next three movies being enjoyable for me is if they hold to whatever plot outline Lucas had in mind way back when. As in, before Episode 6 came out, when he was talking about how it was a NINE episode saga.

He held true to the rumors for the first three episodes. I just wish I could recall what rumors there were for the last three.

I was 6 going on 7 in '77 when Star Wars was released. I remember where I was when my dad came in and said "We're going to see Star Wars today". I also remember the joy I felt. I grew up learning about and loving Star Wars. None of this crap has any effect on the love I had (and have) for Star Wars.

I mean, I'm 42 tomorrow. My 5 year old son insisted on giving me the Lego Millenium Falcon for Christmas last year. To me, Star Wars just *is*. I've never known life without it, really.

George Lucas sold your childhood? Pfft. Must not have been worth much.

"George Lucas sold my childhood for 3 prequels" is a far more accurate statement in regards to me.

Call me crazy, but in comparison to the first three movies the prequels were very inferior. When a movies dialogue and acting make me blush in embarrassment something is wrong. When the only things that immediately come to memory of the prequels are Jar Jar Binks, Darth Maul, and Anakin getting his legs chopped off after Obi-Wan points out that he is basically going to get his legs chopped off, there is a problem. Honestly, I can barely remember the second prequel. I think Yoda has a lightsaber battle?

My point is that they sucked in comparison to the original films. Perhaps what we need are fresh minds working on this, perhaps minds that actually grew up loving the franchise? I can imagine worse scenarios than Disney making the films. Scenarios usually involving George Lucas making them. God bless his soul, he gave us the first three films, but seriously it is time for a fresh approach.

They did right by Marvel so I am saying yes, they will do right by Star Wars. The Avengers was more awesome than all three prequels put together, minus the last fight scene between Obi-Wan and Anakin. So in essence, I have zero worries about the House of the Mouse owning Star Wars. Hell it will better than what Lucas has been doing, outside of the Clone Wars show.

Who know, maybe that live action TV show that they have been working on over at Lucas Arts will come to fruition. They did say they have 50 scripts for it all ready. Supposedly it is centers around the intergalactic scum of the expanded Star Was universe. Bounty Hunters, smugglers, Hutt gangsters, and the whole lot of trash from Nar Shada! That would kick ass.

If it had to go to anyone, it would have to be Disney. They understand the value of managing a vast collection of IP and I think they will handle it well.

As to the price, I think it was a good one. Everyone keeps comparing purchase to gross revenue and you have to compare purchase and net profit and everyone knows making and marketing these movies isn't going to be cheap, especially if you want to live up to the expectations of such a rabid fanbase.

Overall, it was a good move.

Operative phrase, rabid fan base. They may be impossible to please, for anyone.

Quote:

What do you think needs to happen to the Star Wars franchise for it to live up to your expectations?

Do you think they'll take from the EU or branch into different directions? My biggest complaint with the EU is how focused on Han, Leia and Luke it is; there's so much interesting stuff to explore and I'd love to see Disney get into some of the other stuff rather than going on those again and again.

Does it matter? The story's been complete since 1983. Everything since then has been about extracting money from people who should really know better. The entire EU is nothing more than a hoover pulling money out of fans' pockets for as little work as they can possibly get away with and the prequels were so badly executed that it's unbelievable. Series is dead, folks. Let it go. Remember the originals fondly.

Do you think they'll take from the EU or branch into different directions? My biggest complaint with the EU is how focused on Han, Leia and Luke it is; there's so much interesting stuff to explore and I'd love to see Disney get into some of the other stuff rather than going on those again and again.

Now that Disney has Star Wars I would imagine that they want to leverage the 50 hours of scripts that they have already written.

Vasey wrote:

Does it matter? The story's been complete since 1983. Everything since then has been about extracting money from people who should really know better. The entire EU is nothing more than a hoover pulling money out of fans' pockets for as little work as they can possibly get away with and the prequels were so badly executed that it's unbelievable. Series is dead, folks. Let it go. Remember the originals fondly.

Oh come on, like you and all the other doubters will NOT be in line to get a ticket. ROFL Yeah, you will, even if you think it is wrong. Just like the prequels. Tons of people said that they would never see them but they did. Your Star Wars nerd soul can not deny it.

*shrugs* Considering what Lucas has done with the franchise can Disney be any worse? I mean after all this company did put out Iron Man, Pirates of the Caribbean, a ton of damn good Pixar movies, etc. It really depends on if Disney knows to keep hands off the pie making process and instead hire a competent chef. Read: Not Michael Bay

If it had to go to anyone, it would have to be Disney. They understand the value of managing a vast collection of IP and I think they will handle it well.

As to the price, I think it was a good one. Everyone keeps comparing purchase to gross revenue and you have to compare purchase and net profit and everyone knows making and marketing these movies isn't going to be cheap, especially if you want to live up to the expectations of such a rabid fanbase.

Overall, it was a good move.

Operative phrase, rabid fan base. They may be impossible to please, for anyone.

Maybe, but even Abrams shut up the Star Trek fans (or at least, enough of them). So it's not impossible to get past impossible to please people.

I still think its time to create entire actors as CGI. I think we've gotten to the point that it can be done without looking fake. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher could all come back start off the first new episode lending only their voices, and then done and let the series carry on from there.

I also say that they should let one of the Pixar people direct the new movies. Brad Bird is #1 on my list. The Incredibles was action packed, had great character development, and was family friendly while still being ultra kick ass.

As long as we have some assurance they will honor the holocron continuity database and not overwrite the EU, I'm cool with this.

Of course, that would mean the new movies would have to take place in the period between the Yuuzhan Vong Surrender and the rise of Darth Caedus or during the period between Abeloth's defeat and the rise of Darth Krayt.

As long as we have some assurance they will honor the holocron continuity database and not overwrite the EU, I'm cool with this.

Of course, that would mean the new movies would have to take place in the period between the Yuuzhan Vong Surrender and the rise of Darth Caedus or during the period between Abeloth's defeat and the rise of Darth Krayt.

I would love to see a movie (or three) based on Zahn's books featuring Admiral Thrawn. I remember reading those books, and being impressed with the story, and Thrawn himself. That would make a good follow-on from the original trilogy, I think.

Alfonse wrote:

Caedus wrote:

As long as we have some assurance they will honor the holocron continuity database and not overwrite the EU, I'm cool with this.

getting about 90% of the EU overwritten and ignored would NOT be a bad thing. I went through a phase back in high school where I read as many of the EU books as I could get my hands on (before Amazon was really a thing, so it took some doing) and MAN were a lot of them wretched. Even the Thrawn ones weren't exactly great either, although they were the best I read. Most of the EU is confusing, convoluted and doesn't make sense.

No matter what, George Lucas just won every argument ever. He's donating the money from the sale to charity.

Don't worry, people will still find a negative about these donations. After all, even though Lucas gave them Star Wars, he's completely ruined their childhood.

I commented on a previous article (why so many separate articles?), but I'll repeat it here.

When I first saw Star Wars, I was a kid so I saw it through kids eyes. It was great and opened up my imagination in ways most other movies didn't. ESB was also great and my favorite. RotJ was just OK, but I was getting older then.

When PM came out, I was grown up and had ridiculous expectations for it. My saving grace was I also had kids. When I first watched the movie (without the kids), I thought it was OK, but not great. It was missing something. Then I watched it with my kids and got to see it through their eyes. That's what was missing. All of a sudden, I enjoyed it again.

I've since watched all the movies several times in my home theater (yes, I have a Revenge of the Jedi poster down there) and enjoy them all (even RotJ).

I was 15 when the original Star Wars came out and yeah, it really zapped my brain and I loved it. But you know what, there's no way I could ever ever ever go back to that time and experience that again, just like everything else that I experienced at 15. They're just memories now.

Even if the original Star Wars sat in a vault, untouched with no sequels for the past 35 years, we still couldn't really "go back" to then. It will always be just memories. Sure, it's nice to go back and re-watch something, but it will always just be a slight tug at your nostalgia.

The only thing that irks me, and that maybe Disney will fix, is that there's no pristine copy of the original 1977 Star Wars...without the added effects...other than a old letterboxed Laserdisc version that was slapped on a DVD. For historic purposes, I hope they find a good print and restore and digitize it at something like 4K res or whatever. I'm not saying that for nostalgic purposes or that i want my childhood back. But it's important for film history and as a touchstone for students of the medium etc etc.

The only thing that irks me, and that maybe Disney will fix, is that there's no pristine copy of the original 1977 Star Wars...without the added effects...other than a old letterboxed Laserdisc version that was slapped on a DVD. For historic purposes, I hope they find a good print and restore and digitize it at something like 4K res or whatever. I'm not saying that for nostalgic purposes or that i want my childhood back. But it's important for film history and as a touchstone for students of the medium etc etc.

I am sure that Lucas has a secret Star Wars vault underneath Lucas Ranch that has a pristine print of the OG Star Wars from 77. In fact, I would be surprised if he did not. He just has hidden it from us and now Disney will have it. Imagine the Blu Ray sales when Disney announces that the originals are coming. The money will flow like a river.

I would also pay HUGE cash money to see the Darth Bane Trilogy made into animated movies done by the crew who make the Clone Wars TV series. Those are, IMHO, are the best Star Wars EU books written.

Cesar Torres / Cesar is the Social Editor at Ars Technica. His areas of expertise are in online communities, human-computer interaction, usability, and e-reader technology. Cesar lives in New York City.